Forensic Science Technicians Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $99,670 +47.8% vs national
Median hourly $47.92
10th percentile $57,590
90th percentile $146,390
Employed locally 270
National median $67,440

Compare Forensic Science Technicians salary & buying power

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Forensic Science Technicians
in
Chicago, IL-IN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $57,590
    25th
    $66,170
    50th (median)
    $99,670
    75th
    $131,990
    90th
    $146,390

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Forensic Science Technicians salary vs area income 112% Median Forensic Science Technicians salary is 12% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Forensic Science Technicians

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $131,390
    Illinois $117,590
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $103,930
    Akron, OH $102,230
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $100,800
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $98,110

    Nearby metros — Forensic Science Technicians salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Illinois $117,590
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $96,770
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $86,150
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $78,460
    Knoxville, TN $74,020
    Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $65,640

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $78,560
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $98,240
    Chemists $100,720
    School Psychologists $80,600
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $98,780
    Physicists $131,260

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Forensic Science Technicians make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Forensic Science Technicians in Chicago, IL-IN is $47.92, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $71.53 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Forensic Science Technicians salaries?

    The median Forensic Science Technicians salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 47.8% above the national median of $67,440. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Forensic Science Technicians in Chicago?

    Entry-level Forensic Science Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $57,590 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $66,170.